What Is Design and Build?

6Mar

When homeowners hear the phrase “design/build” it’s not necessarily familiar to them. This term describes a process in which one company creates the design and also executes the project. The design/build company is accountable for the entire project from start to finish.

According to Design/Build Business Magazine “the design/build model comes in handy for homeowners for many reasons.” Many homeowners prefer a contractor who can perform both the design and the building to avoid the inconvenience and miscommunication that can result from dealing with multiple companies.

An experienced design/build company fully explores your goals with you and sees that those goals are met in the final product. The beauty of the design/build relationship is that the builder cannot only construct your project but can also help you visualize your drawings. With one company managing the process from start to finish this system prevents a disconnect from occurring between the designer or architect and the builder.

Working with only one company is also a time saver. Working couples, who don’t have time to juggle who’s doing what, prefer the idea of working one-on-one with someone and developing a relationship. There is a personal time savings earned from this more efficient system.

Because the remodeler has experience with construction costs he can guide the homeowner along the way toward a budgetary goal and help to keep the design grounded in reality. This way the design doesn’t occur in a glass bubble; one that is burst by the first contractor’s estimate. Of course, it’s critical to rely on a design/build company with years of experience. Construction costs vary widely from project to project and it takes a track record to be able to gather the data necessary to guide cost decisions.

Design/Build creates a direct line of communication, thereby helping keep design grounded and aligned with budget, and preventing misunderstandings and delays. A third party can confuse issues and slow the job down. With one company managing the process from start to end the chances are that the overall experience will run more smoothly. In general, homeowners find that there’s less anxiety and a more positive remodeling experience when dealing with one company.